2018 Chevrolet Volt Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 22%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,562miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Chevrolet Volt, 22% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,562 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car is consistently making a burning smell and the dealer is refusing to acknowledge it. I went there 2000 miles ago, they claimed it was a break in smell. The smell is still there and once again they are calling it a break in smell. I mean the car has 8400 miles. How long does it have to break in for? Nhtsa, please step in and help us. Gm is creating this possible fire hazard and their franchises are not helping.”
NHTSA complaint #11209797, filed 2019-05, 8,350 miles“When my gas engine is warmed up and up to operating temperature, there would be this burnt plastic smell coming from under the hood. It's been happening like this for the past 3000 miles or so. It's a clear burnt plastic smell from under the hood, and it is always after the engine is completely warmed up. I use my gas engine all the time. The dealership claims it is normal for hybrid to burn stuff off as it isn't run all the time, but the car has 6700 miles. It's a stretch to blame it on break in oil. …”
NHTSA complaint #11194126, filed 2019-04, 4,000 miles“Vehicle will not turn off on a regular basis.. Receive a message that reads: 'action required. Shift to park.' when this occurs, the vehicle can not be turned off or locked. Researched this problem on the internet and discovered that it is a very common problem that affects nearly all 2016, 2017 and 2018 Chevrolet volts. A recall should be implemented!”
NHTSA complaint #11376164, filed 2020-11, 76,493 miles“While driving the vehicle at around 60 MPH, the 'check engine' light came on and a message saying 'shift to park' appears on the dashboard. Once the vehicle was stopped at the traffic light, the driver shifted to park and was not able to pull down to drive again. Vehicle was stranded in the middle of the road while cars were approaching from behind with high speed. After repeated attempts to press the vehicle 'start' button, we finally were able to pull down to neutral and pushed the vehicle to the side of the road. Vehicle needed to be towed to dealership for diagnosis.”
NHTSA complaint #11142769, filed 2018-10, 2,800 miles“EGR valve clogged and failed on a long trip, bricked the car and had to tow many miles back to home shop. now have been waiting 9 months and still no idea when the part will be available from Chevrolet. My shop and I have claims to Chevrolet for the part for service but still nothing and is getting so we are inconvenienced in travel.”
NHTSA complaint #11642345, filed 2025-02Related service bulletins
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11010577Oct 12, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech to check the wiring harness to validate that the harness is not the cause of the check engine light and to replace the EGR to correct a…
- 11007721Aug 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11006290Jul 24, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on a new refrigerant (R1234yf) for A/C service.
- 11002441Jun 14, 2024This service bulletin provides information for engine oil life monitor operation calculation.
- 11001327May 17, 2024This service bulletin provides information for engine oil life monitor operation calculation.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 9% |
| 2018 | 50 | 22% |
| 2017 | 184 | 26% |
| 2016 | 48 | 28% |
| 2015 | 8 | 18% |
| 2014 | 9 | 10% |
| 2013 | 37 | 12% |
| 2012 | 26 | 11% |
| 2011 | 4 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Volt
88 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
85 complaintsFuel system
75 complaintsOther or unknown
42 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology